Appraisal for Photographs

As someone who is new to the world of archival processes, these readings really opened my eyes in terms of what appraisal entails in the context of archives. I’ve been accustomed to think of appraisal in terms of the monetary value of objects, but dedicated archivists must weigh many factors when it comes to prospective acquisitions for their repositories.

For example, the Calvin Coolidge Museum at Northampton’s Forbes Library (where I work) has a very specific concentration for its collection, and it must adhere to a rigid collection policy if it is to meet its archival and budgetary requirements.  Having good relationships with donors, historians, and the community at large has opened up many doors for new acquisitions, and while photography is just one facet of the collection, the provenance, condition, and historical context of the photos are key determining factors. As tempting as it may be to accumulate as many photos as possible, repositories must be selective if they are to maintain legitimacy, structure, and focus. Also, the space available on-site must be considered – where are all of these things going to go?!

Photographs are more than just mere objects; they connect us with history via the processes in which they are created, as well as with the subjects that they represent. While the Calvin Coolidge Museum has niche popularity, those who wish to visit it are expecting to be educated about Coolidge and his life; therefore, only high-quality, information-rich, and historically relevant sources should be available to the public if it expects to be viable as an institution.

- R. Duffy